theatre essay

Please write in the space provided and on the backs of these pages.   Choose two of the four essay questions, one for each play, supporting your argument with specific information from the play.    

1.      Moliere’s Tartuffe is a comedy, but was condemned and criticized by Seventeenth  Century leaders of the Catholic Church.  Please discuss specific examples of elements in         the play you believe some audience members might consider unfunny, offensive and         worthy of condemnation.

2.      The complete title of Moliere’s most famous play is Tartuffe, ou l’Imposteur, or in      English, Tartuffe, or the Imposter.  But in the play, and in academic criticism, the title       character is referred to as a hypocrite.  Explain the difference between a hypocrite and an      imposter, relating these ideas to Tartuffe, the character.

3.      Discuss at least three symbols in A Doll’s House that Ibsen uses to illuminate the       situation and/or the characters.

4.      Please discuss the social message you believe Henrik Ibsen is investigating and that he  would    likely personally support in A Doll’s House, and why.  Please cite specific      examples from the play to support your argument.